Tuesday, September 23, 2008

I always have heard about the "terrible twos" as if it is something that we are just to accept and allow in our children's lives- it is normal. How your child will pitch fits, say no, and act completely crazy as they break away and form some new independence that they did not have before. Well to all who believe that behavior is acceptable and normal I have something to say. NO WAY!!!I would like to label these "terrible twos" for what it really is SIN! I feel like today was WW3. I love my baby boy and for the most part he is very compliant, but today we had a battle. To start things off he did not have a nap- something that is always needed and enforced daily. From there it just got worse. As I was in the middle of what seemed like a never ending crying, screaming, discipline, eternity- God spoke to my heart.

I have learned so many things about the character of God from being a parent. I have also learned to depend on Him for everything. Some things that I learned today- or was reminded of I should say are:

1. God places people in our lives (and uses suffering) to form us more into the image of Christ.Through the book study I am doing, I read last week about how the suffering in our lives makes us more like Christ. That has really been on my mind. Christ had to suffer and did suffer for God's glory. He suffered with His family, friends, and everyone else. So why should I expect anything different in my life. I can see how different people are in my life to make me more like Christ. He uses it all for His glory. Even enduring a day I never wish to have again. (Romans 5:3-5, Romans 8:18, Philippians 3:8-11)

2. God is so gracious to sinners who are found in Christ.My sin is so great and His grace is even greater. (Romans 5:18-21)

3. I am in my "terrible twos" and will be until I am glorified.I am a sinner. I sin all the time and am in need daily of grace and mercy.( Romans 8:22-25)

6. God disciplines His children because He loves them.It is not always easy to discipline my children, but I do it because I love them. I do not want to leave them in their sin. I am to teach them and bring them up in the instruction of the Lord. That is the same thing that my Heavenly Father does with me. ( Ephesians 6:4, Hebrews 12:7-11)

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

I made my first baby food! I had wanted to in the past, but we did not have a food processor. We got one when I was pregnant (it also can make milkshakes!!) and have finally made some food. It is not as hard as I thought, nor time consuming.

I am sure that many out there have done it. This is my first. I knew it would save money...so here is what I did.

I got a one pound bag of peas for $0.88. I made a cup of peas (with plenty left over for later) and put them in the processor. One cup filled up half of an ice-cube tray. They are now in the freezer ready for when I need them. I only made a little just to experiment for right now. One cube should be enough to feed her at each feeding so I have 9 meals ready to go. I just hope she eats the peas!!!

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Monday, September 15, 2008

I told you earlier that I would be reading the book Helper By Design. Well, there are several ladies that I am meeting with at church and we are reading this book together. We have had great discussions and I am looking forward to finishing the book. I just thought I would post some of the things that the Lord pointed out to me in this chapter.

1. The Lord has commanded my husband to love me (Ephesians 5:25) How am I making that easy for him? It is my obligation to help him in doing this!

2. I long to be known by my husband, but I know that I do not always long to know him as I should. She says, "we wives have been called to help and companion our husbands, a task that will be impossible if we aren't growing in our knowledge of them."

3. The only one who will ever completely know us is the Lord.

There are many other things that I have been challenged by in this book. Hopefully I will post more later. If you are reading this with me, feel free to comment on some things you are learning.

Monday, September 8, 2008

While on vacation I was thinking a lot about keeping my children safe. Anytime we are in a new environment I am always in that protective mom mode. You know.. watch for cars, little things they can get into, staying out of the water/ocean (when a hurricane is coming!), just about anything. I want to keep my babies safe and protect them from anything that would harm them.

But it struck me. What I need to protect them from most is themselves! My son was into a lot of things. Being almost 2 (on Wednesday) he never stops! But his sin is what is doing the most damage right now. Not climbing on things or falling. We always want to focus on this external things, but it is the heart that needs to change.

It is not always easy to deal with. Especially when he acts like he has never heard the word NO. But if I am to protect him from the most harmful thing it is not going to be easy.

I have not been posting because we have been gone and my parents have a very SLOW connection to the internet. Plus, it is always good to take a little break from the computer. It does monopolize too much time- if allowed.

Going on vacation is often needed, but here are some reasons I am thankful to be home:

1. No mosquitoes the size of small birds and stripped like tigers ready to attack.

2. No flooding

3. No tiny frogs overpopulating everywhere (though they were very cute!)

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Isaiah 40:6b-8 ...All flesh is grass,and all its beauty is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the Lord blows on it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.